Get your spook on: 40 events to celebrate Halloween in Dubai
Our favourite fright festival is back…
It’s time to don your best fancy dress, because Halloween is upon us – and there are already tonnes of events to get booking. There are horror shows and haunted houses, a candyland and even a huge music festival with international acts.
So if you’re after killer tunes, ghoulishly good deals and some frightful fancy dress contests, look no further.
Here’s where to spend Halloween in Dubai…
Bars and Clubs
Witches night at Cielo Lounge
Ladies, chill your spine with free-flowing sangria wine at Cielo’s sinister-themed Witches Night. The Halloween ladies’ night will feature a storm of freakishly wicked tunes brewed by DJs, and unlimited red sangria until 1am.
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, 9pm to 1am, Tues Oct 31, Tel: (04) 416 1800 . More info on website
Bloodfest at Societe
Pout Night is on pause next week for Societe’s annual Halloween themed party, ‘Bloodfest’. The venue will have a spookily themed makeover and will also be giving Dhs10,000 prize to the best dressed not only on the Tuesday 31, but also on Thursday 26 and Friday 27.
Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai Marina, Thurs 26, Fri 27 and Tues 31, free entry. Tel: (050) 699 3191. More info on website
Halloween at Mr Miyagi’s
This Asian street food restaurant and bar is going all out for the annual scarefest. As well as a haunted house in their Cobra Kai bar and a special Halloween-themed edition of their brunch, they will also have two special foodie-challenge menus the Scaredy Cat (Dhs69), featuring a sushi brain and the Daredevil (Dhs49), which you’ll get for free if you eat the three pieces of chicken head, foot and intestine.
Mr Miyagi’s, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, October 24 to October 31, Dare Devil menu Dhs49, Scaredy Cat menu Dhs69, Wok and Roll brunch Friday October 27, Dhs275 house, Dhs550 sparkling. Tel: (04) 420 7489. More info on website
Disco Inferno at 7 Elephants
DIFC lounge 7 Elephants is throwing an old school Halloween themed party this year. The stock trading style venue will be transformed into a disco wonderland, embracing an eerie vibe and encouraging guests to dress as their favourite throwback horror villain.
7 Elephants, Level C, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC, Tues Oct 31, 6pm to late. Tel: (04) 354 4354. More info on website
Halloween Special at The Aftermath
The aptly named The Aftermath, the after party for the increasingly popular We Brunch, is open to all at downstairs bar Ynot in the Intercontinental Dubai Marina on Fridays. As well as a ‘killer’ drinks deal of six drinks for Dhs150 until 7pm, there will be a Halloween make up artist available on the evening to help you spook up your selfies.
Intercontinental Dubai Marina, Fri Oct 27, after brunch 3pm onwards Dhs150 for 6 drinks until 7pm. Tel: 056 6944 538. More info on website
Halloween at Barasti
DJ Jazzy Jeff will be returning to the decks at Barasti for a spooky celebration on Friday October 27. But can we expect an appearance from the Fresh Prince too? Let’s hope so.
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina Dubai, Fri Oct 27. Tel: (04) 318 1313. More info on website
Halloween Special at Bongo’s Bingo
The first Bongo’s Bingo Halloween event sold out so quickly they’ve added a second date on Friday October 27. More than 500 partygoers are expected to descend on Media One Hotel for one of the cities nuttiest nights out, where games night meets impromptu raves, random prizes and a cheesy soundtrack. Prizes will be presented to the best dressed.
ON42, Media One Hotel, Media City, Fri Oct 27, 8pm to 3am. Dhs150 per ticket, aged 21 and over only. More info on website
Death in the Distillery at Copperdog
There’s a murder mystery-themed evening happening at Copper Dog this Halloween. Guests are invited to team up and solve the mystery of the ‘Death in the Distillery’ through a series of facts distributed throughout the evening – and the winning team gets a jug of signature Apple Dog. You can also get involved in an array of games, including apple bobbing, two-for-one on select cocktails and signature dishes, and enjoy a Halloween-themed pumpkin pie.
DoubleTree by Hilton, JBR, Dubai, Tues Oct 31, 7pm to 2am. Tel (04) 5595 355. More info on website
The Rocky Horror Tiki show at Mahiki
There’s a four-day Halloween special happening at Mahiki, all set to a Rocky Horror Show theme. On Thursday 26 and Friday 27, all guests in fancy dress will receive a free Tiki Horror Show cocktail, with a Halloween edition of Mahiki Madness, including bloody shots, offered to guests who arrive before 9pm. Finishing the week is a Halloween special of their ladies’ night on Tuesday 31, with ladies enjoying free-flowing wine and cocktails till 1am, and performances by the Mahiki Honeys to Rocky Horror hits.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah, Oct 26 to Oct 31, free entry. Tel:(055) 2160 181. More info on website
I Love 80s Halloween at Sho Cho
Head to a ghostly get-together at Sho Cho this Halloween as their in-house artists help you transform into your favourite character. There will be happy hour prices on drinks from 6pm to 9pm, and an old-school soundtrack to take you back to the 80s, with DJ Monoi spinning retro tunes from late.
Dubai Marine Beach Resort, Thurs Oct 26 6pm to 3am, free entry. Tel: (04) 346 1111. More info on website
Midnight Freakshow at Nasimi
Nasimi Beach will be transformed into a midnight freak show, featuring creepy circus acts, carnival freaks and clowns for this year’s Halloween celebrations. Guests will enter an abandoned carnival complete with eerie performers passing out magic drink cards from under their hats, which partygoers can then swap for complimentary drinks at the bar. British dance music DJ and producer, Danny Howard, will set the mood with his chart-topping hits, joined by Alex Evander, David De Luca and Scottie B.
Atlantis The Palm, Thurs Oct 26, 7pm to 3am, ladies free before 9pm, early bird tickets Dhs100, on the door Dhs150. Tel:(055) 200 4321. More info on website
Haunted Beach at Nikki Beach
Nikki Beach Dubai’s restaurant and beach club is running a Halloween-themed edition of their ladies’ day on Tuesday October 31. The Dhs130 deal includes complimentary pool and beach access, and six selected drinks. Reservations for the ladies’ day offer cannot be made in advance, and daybeds work on a first-come first-serve basis, so be sure to arrive early.
Nikki Beach Club, Pearl Jumeirah, Tues Oct 31, 11am to 9pm, Dhs130. Tel:(04) 376 6162. More info on website
Monster Halloween at 360
360 will be dressing up for six nights of ‘spooktacular celebrations’. Things will kick off with their recently relaunched 180 brunch, which includes unlimited house beverages and sharing platters of pan-Asian nibbles such as sumptuous dim sum, sushi and innovative bar snacks for Dhs295. Specially-curated creepy cocktails aptly named Trick or Treat, Lychee Eyeball Martini and The Witch’s Heart will also be on offer throughout the six days of celebration.
360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah, Thurs Oct 26 to Tues Oct 31. Tel: (04) 406 8741. More info on website
Halloween at Long’s Bar
Get into costume and make your way to Long’s Bar from October 26 to 28 for three days of happy hours from 12pm to 3am, with 30 per cent discount on selected house beverages. Stay till late and party into the night with resident DJ Mike D.
Towers Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road, Weds Oct 26 to Fri Oct 28. Tel: (04) 343 8000. More info on website
Get Your Scare On at The Irish Village
The Irish Village is holding their annual Halloween party on Tuesday October 31. It’s free entry, child-friendly until 9.30pm, and there will be prizes for the best-dressed male, female and child as well as ‘fangtastic’ Halloween games for all. Count DJ Marky Mark is on deck duty until late.
Al Garhoud, Tues Oct 31, free entry. Tel: (04) 239 5000. More info on website
Revenge is a Dish Best Served at Ramusake
Ramusake is taking inspiration from Kill Bill‘s House of the Blue Leaves for Halloween this year. Think draped yellow linen, debris and remnants of the battle and blood spilt by The Bride. There will also be three special edition-themed cocktails available on the evening, aptly named after the Kill Bill characters O-ren-ishsi, GoGo Yobari and Tanaka from Dhs55. When the clock strikes 12, prepare to party. DJ Soul Ninja will be spinning until 2am.
Doubletree Hilton JBR 7pm to 2am, Tues Oct 31. Tel: (04) 5595 300. More info on website
Halloween at Cirque Le Soir
With its unique performers on hand for entertainment all night long, this nightmare is one that goes on for three days. Entry is free and fancy dress is strongly advised.
Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, 11pm to 3am, Mon Oct 30 to Wed Nov 2, free entry. Tel: (050) 995 5400. More info on website
Burning Beach at Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
An alternative to the typical Halloween-themed events, Blue Marlin is putting on its annual burning beach party over Halloween weekend. Expect extravagant outfits, themed décor, and international DJs who will take to the beach in Ghantoot, bringing rise to a spiritual energy. DJs Hosh and Lehar will take to the decks on the terrace supported by resident DJs Frederick Stone and Jixo & Danz.
Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, Al Jazira Hotels and Resort, Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 11pm, Fri Oct 27, free. Tel: (056) 113 3400. More info on website
Ladies’ Night at Lucky Voice
There will be a Halloween edition of Lucky Voice’s famous ladies’ night on Tuesday October 31. Girls can enjoy unlimited free drinks, plus 20 per cent off the dining bill, as well as the usual 30 minutes’ free karaoke pod taster sessions. Plus, there will be the chance to get up close and personal with the characters from your nightmares, a flash-mob dance-off at midnight, and Glam Bar will be on hand to add sparkle to your spookiest outfit.
6th Floor, Grand Millenium, Barsha Heights, 8pm to 3am, Tues Oct 31, free entry. Tel: 800-58259. More info on website
The Haunted Dinner Party at Sass Cafe
DIFC’s Sass’ Café will be celebrating Halloween by transforming into a spook-tacular venue at the Halloween edition of ‘Mondays Made Me’ on October 30. Guests can dine and dance at the themed event with specialist cocktails and a themed soundtrack on top of their classic French a la carte menu.
Podium Level, Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, 8pm to 3am, Mon Oct 30. Tel: (04) 352 7722. More info on website
The House of Horrors Brunch at McGettigan’s JLT
McGettigan’s JLT will be transformed into a house of horrors hosted by wicked physician Doctor Baggot on Friday October 27. Thousands of dirhams worth of prizes will be up for grabs on the night and will include bar tabs, brunches and more. The usual brunch will take on a Halloween theme, with creepy cocktails from noon to 5pm for Dhs249.
McGettigan’s JLT, Cluster J, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, 12pm to 5pm, Fri Oct 27, Dhs249. Tel: (04) 378 0800. More info on website
The Monster Halloween Party at Zero Gravity
On Thursday October 26, Zero Gravity will be completely transformed into a haunted beach club full of things that go bump (and splash) in the night. Besides the décor, it’s the costumes that come through the door that really make this party unmissable, with up to Dhs50,000 cash prizes to be won for the best costumes.
Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Marina. Thurs Oct 26, free for ladies, Dhs50 for gents before 9pm, Dhs100 for all after 9pm. Tel: (04) 399 0009. More info on website
Chainsaw Massacre at Tribeca
Tribeca, Level 1, JA Ocean View Hotel, 8pm to 2am, Tues Oct 31, free entry. Tel: (050) 345 6067. More info on Facebook
Candyland at Billionaire Mansion
This Halloween, Billionaire Mansion invites you to the land of Willy Wonka with a difference. Expect live shows, giant doughnuts and candy treats. There will also be two ladies’ nights on Tuesday October 31 and Friday November 3, where girls can drink free all night. Fancy dress is encouraged.
Taj Hotel, Burj Khalifa Street, Business Bay, 7pm to 3am, Tues Oct 31 and Fri Nov 3, free entry. Tel: (04) 510 3100. More info on website
#DisturbingHalloween at White
Super club White Dubai is hosting a #DisturbingHalloween on Tuesday October 31, marking the one-off return of Dubai’s Ultimate Ladies Night, #DisturbingDubai. They’re bringing over international artists Yungen, Kelli-Leigh and Yxng Bane, as well as a free open bar for ladies all night, and complimentary sushi until 12.30am.
White Dubai, Meydan, Tuesday, 10pm to 3am. Tel:(050) 443 0933. More info on website.
Brunches
East Coast vs West Coast at The Black Lion
East Coast is set to take on the West Coast at The Black Lion’s East vs West Street F-East Halloween takeover on Thursday October 26. The night will play homage to two of hip hop’s most iconic artists and one of the industry’s biggest rivalries, Tupac and Biggie. Award-winning DJ Somalie will be on the decks playing the two artists’ greatest hits back to back from 8pm to 12am along with other classic hip hop hits.
The Black Lion, H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Thurs Oct 26, 8pm to 12am, 3 hour brunch package Dhs285. Tel: (04) 359 2366 . More info on website
Halloween Brunch and Family Roast at Gaucho
Gaucho Dubai is hosting its annual Halloween brunch and afterparty on Friday October 27, with the best-dressed winning a magnum of vodka. For something more family friendly, the following day they’re also introducing a kids’ Halloween roast, with children’s entertainment from 3pm to 5pm.
Gate Village 5, DIFC, Fri Oct 27 Brunch, Soft Dhs320, Standard Dhs395, Champagne Dhs595, Sat 28 Oct Roast from Dhs185. Tel: (04) 422 7898. More info on website
Halloween Brunch at Jumeirah Al Qasr
Jumeirah Al Qasr will be hosting a Halloween brunch on Friday October 27. The international buffet will be complimented with a festive Halloween menu, plus there’s a special offer of 30 per cent off for all guests who arrive in costume.
Jumeirah Al Qasr, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fri Oct 27, Dhs275 children 4 to 11, Dhs550 soft drinks, Dhs650 with alcohol, kids under 4yrs free. Tel:(04) 432 3232. More info on website
Concerts
Fiesta De Los Muertos
Halloween-themed live music festival Fiesta De Los Muertos is set to spook things up at Dubai’s Autism Rocks Arena on Friday October 27. There’s a diverse line-up of acts, with award-winning British visual band Gorillaz headlining. They will be joined by popstar Carly Rae Jepsen, Grime artist Stormzy, Lebanese-Canadian Pop singer Massari, and Mexican-inspired band The Mariachis.
Fiesta De Los Muertos, Autism Rocks Arena, Dubai Al-Ain Road, Fri Oct 27, Tickets from Dhs350. More info on website
Family-Friendly
Beach BBQ Brunch at Ocean Blue
Celebrate Halloween beachside at Ocean Blue at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. This family-friendly evening brunch will include a BBQ, live DJ entertainment, kids’ games and activities and best-dressed awards for girls and boys.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, 7pm to 12am, Tues Oct 31, Dhs125 kids under 12, Dhs295 soft drinks adults, Dhs450 house drinks, kids under 4yrs will be free of charge. Tel:(04) 432 3232. More info on website
Halloween Brunch at Desert Palm Dubai
Enjoy a Halloween-themed weekend away at Desert Palm Dubai. Enjoy a wine and cheese night for Dhs150 on Thursday October 26, and a brunch taking over on Friday October 27. Spooky-looking food and drinks are priced at Dhs195 for children, Dhs295 for the soft drink adult package and the beverage package is Dhs450 with a bottle of French bubbly.
Dubai Desert Plam, Al Awir Road, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fri Oct 27, brunch from Dhs295 adults, Dhs195 children. Tel:(04) 323 8888. More info on website
Trick or Treat at Wild Wadi
Guests are invited to enjoy a ‘spooktacular’ October at Wild Wadi, with trick or treat taking place around the park at seven different locations. Grab your map and gather plenty of candy and lots of spooky surprises.
Wild Wadi, Jumeiarh, 10am to 5pm, every Fri and Sat through October and Tues Oct 31, Dhs35 supplement on all tickets Tel: (04) 348 4444. More info on website
All Hallows’ Eve at Fairmont The Palm
More about the treats and less about the tricks, there’s a ‘spooktacular treatfest’ family afternooon tea at Mashrabiya Lounge, Fairmont Dubai. Expect ghoulish delights, eerie sweet and savory treats and delicious candies. Prizes will also be given to the best outfits of the afternoon, too.
Fairmont The Palm, 3pm to 6pm, Tues Oct 31, Dhs95 adults, Dhs65 children. Tel: (04) 457 3457. More info on website
Bounce
Dubai’s original trampoline park Bounce is holding a special after-dark party for those over the age of 14.
Building 32, 4B Street, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, Thurs Oct 26, 8pm to midnight, Dhs80 per hour. Tel: (04) 321 1400. More info on website
Le Gourmet
Get your kids all dressed up and hand them over to Galeries Lafayette’s culinary team for a special Halloween Young Chef Club event, boasting games and a spooky cooking class.
Galeries Lafayette, Dubai Mall, Sat Oct 28, 10.30am to noon, Dhs95. Tel: (04) 339 9933. More info on website
Flip Out
The city’s largest trampoline arena will transform into a haunted house for family-friendly spooktacular parties, with a Thriller-themed show and a buy-one-get-one-free offer on bouncing for those in costume.
Al Quoz 3, Dubai, Thurs Oct 26 and Tues Oct 31, 4pm to 10pm, Dhs80 per hour. Tel: (600) 567 568. More info on website
Legoland Dubai
The special Cobweb Castle exhibit, packed full of Lego pumpkins and spiders as well as candy treats,is hosting a spooky Scare School, where kids will have the chance to make friends with Lego Frankenstein, and The Dragon rollercoaster will have a seasonal makeover.
Dubai Parks & Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road, Oct 13 to 31, 10am to 6pm, Dhs165. Tel: (04) 820 3123. More info on website
Kids HQ
Join the city’s favourite children’s entertainer at Kids HQ for Magic Phil’s Spooky Day party, which promises all manner of magic tricks and treats.
Kids HQ, Umm Suqeim Road, Barsha 2, Dubai, Thurs Oct 26, 4pm to 7pm, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 379 4233. More info on website
X Dubai
XDubai’s skatepark, located in the heart of Kite Beach, will be haunted with a host of happenings on Friday 27 October, including a skate trick showcase, costume throw down, big prizes, food trucks, special merchandise deals at the XShop and more. Skateboard and scooter rentals are available onsite at the skatepark.
XDubai, Kite Beach, 6pm to 10pm, Fri Oct 27, Dhs35. Tel: (04) 346 0003. More info on website
Fuzzywigs
This Halloween, Fuzziwig’s, the old-fashioned neighbourhood candy factory, is celebrating the spookiest time of year with a load of family fun. There will be a themed menu of Halloween candy, and several different packages of 30, 60 and 90 minute Fuzzitours that offer kids the opportunity to sample different sweets as well as making their own candy.
JBR, The Walk, 10am to 12am, Fri Oct 27 to Tues Oct 31 from Dhs50. Tel: (04) 554 1151. More info on website
